Psalms 67:4

4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern[a] the nations upon earth. Selah.

Psalms 67:4 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 67:4

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy
As they were glad, and did sing for joy, and glorified God, when Christ was made known, and the Gospel was preached unto them, ( Acts 8:5 Acts 8:8 ) ( Acts 13:47 Acts 13:48 ) .

for thou shalt judge the people righteously;
meaning not the people of the world at the last day, at the general judgment, which will be a righteous one; when God will judge the world in righteousness, according to the strict rules of justice and equity, by him whom he has ordained, ( Psalms 96:1-3 ) ( Acts 17:31 ) ; but either the righteous judgment which will be executed on the enemies of Christ's church and people; particularly on antichrist, which will be matter of great joy, ( Revelation 19:1 Revelation 19:2 ) ; and Kimchi interprets it of the judgment of the nations which shall come with Gog and Magog; or else the judging and vindicating the Lord's own people, defending their cause, righting their wrongs, and suffering no weapon to prosper against them;

and govern the nations upon earth;
or "lead [them]" F14; not to punishment, as Kimchi, who interprets this clause as the other; but by his grace and Spirit, into the knowledge of his way, and saving health; or as a shepherd leads his flock into green pastures, and beside the still waters; or as a king leads and governs his people, as David guided the people of Israel, with the skilfulness of his hands; so Christ leads and governs his people, protects and defends them, holds them by his right hand, guides them with his counsel, and then receives them to glory; see ( Psalms 23:2 ) ( 78:72 ) ( 73:24 ) .

Selah; on this word, (See Gill on Psalms 3:2).


FOOTNOTES:

F14 (Mxnt) "duces eas", Montanus; "deduces", Junius & Tremellius, Cocceius; "deducis", Piscator.

Psalms 67:4 In-Context

2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.
5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.
6 Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.

Footnotes 1

The King James Version is in the public domain.